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Tuesday, January 19, 2016

Sewing - For Me










It was time. With each subsequent wash my current dressing gown was literally disintegrating. I guess these things happen after 18 years. I had bought it just before our twins were born, taking it to hospital for each of the last six children. In fact I wore it home from hospital the night I had baby #6 - I was less than two hours total in hospital with that birth, but that's another story.

This fabric print is one of my all time favourites. It's part of the Moody Blues collection designed by Genuine for Cloud 9 Fabrics. An intricate design in classic blue and white, printed on fine organic cotton. This fabric was the motivation behind my Set Free quilt and my choice for backing the quilt. I was so delighted to discover our Australian Spotlight stores recently stocked the Moody Blues collection. While it was on special I bought enough to make a new dressing gown so I could wrap myself in this favourite fabric every day.

Just over 12 months ago I made myself a skirt from some Cloud 9 fabric to discover that it really doesn't drape well, even after much wear and numerous washes. However it is now softer to touch and very safe against the skin. These poor drape make me consider carefully before sewing clothes for myself but is not a problem to me for a dressing gown. 

Using my old dressing gown as a template, I cut and sewed, making my new one slightly longer in the sleeves and total length as I wear it in all seasons, with a thicker robe on top in the colder months. As it's currently summer here I have gently rolled the sleeves, forming a cuff for now (which I will roll higher on hotter nights). The selvedge is working very well as a waist tie and I like it's appearance. I may sew a matching fabric tie one day and I may add pockets, but right now I love it just the way it is. Today I added the belt tabs and hand stitched the hem, yet I have worn it the last two nights, incomplete, because I couldn't wait!

21 comments:

  1. That is lovely! I'd say you did a great job as always.

    Happy sewing ~ FlowerLady

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  2. The formula for the material well suited to quilt, you did. In this and looks beautiful in a gown sewn. The material is eco-friendly and comfortable to hold, the more his advantage. Regards.

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  3. Wonderful, Karen! When you love it so much, use begins before completion, you know it is a winner! Your photos of the details are so fun! And I was tickled, thinking about your "colder months" ;)

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  4. It is lovely, Karen! (I really must snag some of this fabric) I bet you feel so fabulous in it :-)
    My robe is in a similarly dismal state, and is almost as old (17+ years for mine - a 30th birthday gift, received just days after my 4th child was born)
    I love the selvedge tie, although I'd probably add a pocket.

    I have several posts from you saved in my feed so I can go back and comment on them at some point - but that may never happen : / Suffice it to say, I always love your photos, and your heart, and seeing your beautiful work, even though I don't always manage to respond.... (and if I'm *totally* truthful, I'm a bit envious of your exotic flowers and birds. and weather... ;-)

    Happy 2016, Karen ~ Tracy

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  5. I’m smitten with your blue dressing gown! So beautiful! Love that fabric!

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  6. How wonderful to drape yourself in your favourite fabric every day. I hope it brings you many happy years of wear.

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  7. Beautiful! I have worn a robe more lately...something I didn't see myself doing. And mine makes me feel unwell. So glad you found this beautiful fabric to make such a practical and needed piece of clothing! I'm going to look for a new robe or pattern for me too!

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  8. I love this Moody Blue fabric! You deserve a new gown after 18 years. (But, some of those old garments do feel so very soft and comfy.)

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  9. Karen,
    I like this robe very much. The style is functional and attractive, and the fabric has a lovely pattern and pleasing color. I wish I could feel of it because robes are about the feel too.

    (I left the birthing center with my third child within three hours of her birth, it was tough. )

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  10. It brings me joy to see talented friends make things for themselves now and then. It's lovely, Karen!

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  11. Well remember that night, the another story;-)

    So pleased you spoilt yourself with something beautiful, it's gorgeous. Now look forward to seeing what else you might spoil yourself with next :) {{}}

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  12. It looks gorgeous just perfect for your warm nights.

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  13. What a lovely finish just for you! I'm sure the organic fabric must feel so cool against your skin. I'm curious to see how you will add pockets later. Enjoy your new dressing gown :)

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  14. You sure are clever with materials. I remember that fabric from your quilt. It looks great and I bet it lasts for another 18 years.

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  15. What a gorgeous dressing gown! It looks even better on your blog than on Instagram. You are a very gifted lady.
    Thank you for your comment on my most recent post.
    It has been an extremely difficult and heartbreaking situation which I will write about via email, if you could please pray.

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  16. I wouldn't be able to wait to wear it either. Your dressing gown is lovely, Karen. The fabric has the most gorgeous pattern and of course, the blue and white is always a winner. I might just pop into Spotlight here and acquire some of this gorgeous fabric.

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  17. This is beautiful, Karen, and I just love the fabric!

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  18. The selvage tie is a real kick. I like that. I hate to throw out the selvage - it tells a story. I even often photograph it intentionally in my blog posts. Robe looks comfy. Something for myself...hmmm... that's a thought.

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  19. Muito lindo,Karen e que bom te ver novamente! beijos, tudo de bom,chica

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  20. Thinking you might have been a little overdue in giving yourself this lovely gift. Beautiful pattern and know you will enjoy this!

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